How to Clean Paint Brushes More Efficiently
Whether you are painting a wall, refinishing furniture, or creating art, good quality paint brushes or rollers produce better results. They are also expensive, so you want them to last as long as possible which requires proper cleaning.
The method you use to clean a paint brush depends on whether you are using water-based, oil-based paint, or lacquer. Water-based paints clean up easily with soap and water while oil-based products require a petroleum or citrus-based solvent.
How Often to Clean Paint Brushes
No matter what type of paint is used, a paint brush should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.
The exception is if you need to take a break for a short period—an hour or so—but plan to return to the painting task. To place the brush “on hold”, wrap the bristles and the ferrule (the metal component that holds the bristles to the brush handle) in plastic cling wrap. This will prevent the paint from drying on the bristles making it more difficult to remove later.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Sink
- Old bucket or disposable container
- Rags
- Rubber gloves
- Paint brush comb
- Paint brush spinner
Materials
- Paint thinner
- Mineral spirits
- Dishwashing liquid
- Newspaper
Instructions
How to Clean Paint Brushes Used With Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints include acrylics, latex, watercolors, and tempera.
Use up the Paint on the Brush
If the brush is still loaded with paint when you finished the project, you need to remove as much of the wet paint as possible. Squeeze and scrape the bristles up and down along the edge of the paint can or container to release the paint from the brush—but be sure to squeeze gently and not tug on the bristles, or you’ll damage them. Most are simply glued into the ferrule using epoxy, so handling them too vigorously will pull them out
Or, paint the excess paint onto a newspaper or scrap of wood until no more paint is released from the bristles.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a small bucket, mix a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. The amount you need depends on the size and number of paint brushes you are cleaning. Use a ratio of one teaspoon dishwashing liquid per one quart (four cups) of hot water and mix well.
Swish and Squeeze the Brush
Wearing gloves, swish the paint brush in the cleaning solution to saturate it well. Use your fingers to squeeze the bristles to help release the paint and wipe the bristles on the sides of the bucket.
A paint brush comb will help remove excess paint. Work the comb through the bristles from the ferrule down to the edge of the brush.
Rinse and Dry
Once all of the visible paint has been removed, rinse the brush under hot running water. If there is still paint clinging to the bristles, mix a fresh cleaning solution and repeat the steps.
Gently squeeze out the excess rinse water. Shake the brush vigorously or use a paint brush spinner (uses centrifugal force to force water from the brush). Hang the brush (bristles down) to air-dry slowly or dry it flat.
Dispose of the Cleaning Solution
The cleaning solution can be safely poured down a drain or toilet.
Cleaning Brushes That Are Stiff With Dried Water-based Paint
If the water-based paint has already dried on the brush, you’ll need to add an extra step.
Mix the cleaning solution and allow the brush to soak for an hour or up to overnight. Be sure that only the paint-coated bristles are submerged in the solution. Check the brush occasionally to see if the paint is loosening from the bristles. Continue with the remaining cleaning steps, repeating the cleaning and soaking as needed.
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